Cover Allan Zeman and Daisy Ho at the Hong Kong Ballet Ball in 2008 (Photo: courtesy of Hong Kong Ballet)

With a glorious history and supporters like Allan Zeman and Pansy Ho, the Hong Kong Ballet’s ‘Black and White Ball: Where Light and Shadows Dance’ promises to bring elegance and charm to the city on October 13

After a five-year hiatus, the famed Hong Kong Ballet Ball is back. The fundraising soirée is a celebration of the Hong Kong Ballet’s storied history and its triumphant return to the city’s social calendar. Over the past 38 years, the ball has been the flagship event of the Hong Kong Ballet, serving as a key source of support for the organisation’s artistic and educational initiatives. Under the leadership of its chairman Daisy Ho and executive director Heidi Lee, the Hong Kong Ballet has adapted to changing times and tastes while staying true to its artistic vision. More importantly, the ball has become a beloved tradition, providing a unique opportunity for attendees to celebrate the beauty and grace of ballet, while also making a meaningful contribution to the art form’s continued growth and development.

Also read: This year’s First Initiative Foundation’s fundraising ball was a celebration of glamour and giving

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The 1985 Hong Kong Ballet Ball programme (Photos: courtesy of Hong Kong Ballet)
Above The 1985 Hong Kong Ballet Ball programme (Photo: courtesy of Hong Kong Ballet)

It also holds a meaningful place in Tatler’s history. Over the years, we have had the privilege of documenting the evolution of the ball and its enduring impact on the community—right from the very beginning, at the first iteration at the former Regent Hong Kong in 1985, to the one set to take place this month at Rosewood Hong Kong.

The event has played host to a number of high-profile individuals over the years, earning a reputation as a must-attend event of the gala 48 season. From A-list celebrities to political figures and cultural icons, past attendees have included the late casino magnate Stanley Ho, former chief secretary Anson Chan, Lan Kwai Fong group’s founder Allan Zeman and FWD group chairman Ronald Arculli

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Photo 1 of 2 Anson Chan and Stanley Ho in 1997 (Photo: courtesy of Hong Kong Ballet)
Photo 2 of 2 Ronald Arculli and Pansy Ho in 2001 (Photo: courtesy of Hong Kong Ballet)

One of the most exciting parts of the ball is its ever-changing themes, which capture the imagination and inspire creativity, from 1,001 Arabian Nights in 1986 and A Winter Fantasia in 1996 to The Emperor & The Nightingale in 1997 and Garden of Dreams in 2006.

The Hong Kong Ballet is a cultural cornerstone of the city, and has become synonymous with excellence in ballet—even during the pandemic, when performances were cancelled or operated at restricted capacity, the company remained steadfast in its commitment to artistic expression, launching interactive videos to engage with audiences online with HKBallet@Home on the company’s official platforms, connecting with ballet lovers across the globe. 

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Above Tatler Hong Kong’s coverage of the Hong Kong Ballet Ball in 1985 (Photo: Tatler Hong Kong)

Whether watching artistic director Septime Webre’s original take on Tchaikovsky’s classic The Nutcracker as an ode to Hong Kong (filled with dim sum characters and waltzing bauhinia flowers), or this month’s The Great Gatsby, audiences feel the weight of the Hong Kong Ballet’s history and the dedication of its dancers. It’s a reminder that, even in a world that’s constantly changing, some things remain timeless.

The Hong Kong Ballet’s story is one of perseverance in the face of adversity, of creativity and innovation, and of the power of art to inspire and transform. The event promises to be a magical evening of glamour, bringing together ballet enthusiasts and the arts community to revel in the beauty and elegance of a timeless art form.


For exclusive scenes from inside the 2023 Hong Kong Ballet Ball, wait for the December issue of Tatler Hong Kong and stay tuned to tatlerasia.com

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